Laundry scent additive

ABSTRACT

A laundry scent additive having polyethylene glycol and perfume. The laundry scent additive enables consumers to control the amount of scent imparted to their laundry.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to products to freshen laundry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a segment of consumers that prefer a strong perfume scent to their laundry. These so called “scent seekers” will often over dose laundry products such as laundry detergent and fabric softener to provide the desired freshness to their laundry. There is a need to provide a perfume scent additive product to consumer that will provide freshness to laundry. Such scent additive needs to be able to be applied by the consumer, independent of other laundry products, to achieve the desired scent level in a cost effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention can be a composition consisting essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a unit dose of a fabric treatment composition comprising a plurality of pastilles, wherein each pastille comprises: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein each pastille has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g; and wherein the plurality of pastilles has a mass from about 13 g to about 27 g to comprise the unit dose.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a composition consisting essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) from about 9% to about 20 wt % of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein the composition is essentially free of free perfume; and wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a composition consisting essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) from about 9% to about 20% by weight of the composition free perfume; wherein the composition is essentially free of a perfume carrier; and wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g.

An additional embodiment of the invention can be a method of making a composition comprising the steps of: providing a viscous material having a glass transition temperature, the viscous material comprising: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; providing the viscous material at a processing temperature less than about 20 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature; and passing the viscous material through small openings and onto a moving conveyor surface upon which the viscous material is cooled below the glass transition temperature to form a plurality of pastilles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a pastillation apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The compositions of the present invention may comprise: polyethylene glycol; free perfume and/or perfume microcapsules; and optionally a dye. In one embodiment, the composition is essentially free of detergent surfactants and/or fabric softening actives.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has a relatively low cost, may be formed into many different shapes and sizes, minimizes free perfume diffusion, and dissolves well in water. PEG comes in various molecular weights. A suitable molecular weight range of PEG for the purposes of freshening laundry includes from about 3,000 to about 13,000, from about 4,000 to about 12,000, alternatively from about 5,000 to about 11,000, alternatively from about 6,000 to about 10,000, alternatively from about 6,000 to about 10,000, alternatively from about 7,000 to about 9,000, alternatively combinations thereof. PEG is available from BASF, for example PLURIOL E 8000.

The compositions of the present invention may comprise from about 65% to about 99% by weight of the composition of PEG. Alternatively, the composition can comprise from about 80% to about 91%, alternatively from about 85% to about 91%, more than about 75%, alternatively from about 70% to about 98%, alternatively from about 80% to about 95%, alternatively combinations thereof, of PEG by weight of the composition.

Free Perfume

The compositions of the present invention may comprise a free perfume and/or a perfume microcapsule. Perfumes are generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,680 at column 10, line 56, to column 25, line 22. In one embodiment, the composition comprises free perfume and is essentially free of perfume carriers, such as a perfume microcapsule. In yet another embodiment, the composition comprises perfume carrier materials (and perfume contained therein). Examples of perfume carrier materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,680, column 25, line 23, to column 31, line 7. Specific examples of perfume carrier materials may include cyclodextrin and zeolites.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises free (neat) perfume but is free or essentially free of a perfume carrier. In such an embodiment, the composition may comprise less than about 20%, alternatively less than about 25%, alternatively from about 9% to about 20%, alternatively from about 10% to about 18%, alternatively from about 11% to about 13%, alternatively combinations thereof, of free perfume by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the composition consists essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) from about 9% to about 20% by weight of the composition free perfume; wherein the composition is essentially free of a perfume carrier; and wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. In an alternative embodiment, the composition consists essentially of: (a) more than about 75% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) less than about 25% by weight of the composition free perfume; wherein the composition is essentially free of a perfume carrier; and wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises free perfume and perfume microcapsules. In this embodiment, the composition may comprise from about 2% to about 12%, alternatively from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 3% to about 8%, alternatively from about 4% to about 7%, alternatively from about 5% to about 7%, alternatively combinations thereof, of the free perfume by weight of the composition.

In yet another embodiment, the composition comprises free (neat) perfume and a perfume microcapsule but is free or essentially free of other perfume carriers.

Perfume Microcapsules

The compositions of the present invention can comprise perfume oil encapsulated in a perfume microcapsule (PMC). The PMC can be a friable PMC. The term “PMC” and “perfume microcapsule” are used interchangeably and refers to a plurality of perfume microcapsules. Suitable perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules can include: U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003215417 A1; 2003216488 A1; 2003158344 A1; 2003165692 A1; 2004071742 A1; 2004071746 A1; 2004072719 A1; 2004072720 A1; 2003203829 A1; 2003195133 A1; 2004087477 A1; and 20040106536 A1; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,645,479; 6,200,949; 4,882,220; 4,917,920; 4,514,461; and 4,234,627; and U.S. Re. 32,713, and European Patent Publication EP 1393706 A1.

For purposes of the present invention, the term “perfume microcapsules” or “PMC” describes both perfume microcapsules and perfume nanocapsules. The PMCs can be friable (verses, for example, moisture activated PMCs). The PMCs can be moisture activated.

In one embodiment, the PMC comprises a melamine/formaldehyde shell. Encapsulated perfume and/or PMC may be obtained from Appleton, Quest International, or International Flavor & Fragrances, or other suitable source. In one embodiment, the PMC shell is coated with polymer to enhance the ability of the PMCs to adhere to fabric, as describe in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,125,835; 7,196,049; and 7,119,057.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises a PMC but is free or essentially free or free of (neat) perfume. In such an embodiment, the composition may comprise less than about 20%, alternatively less than about 25%, alternatively from about 9% to about 20%, alternatively from about 9% to about 15%, alternatively from about 10% to about 14%, alternatively from about 11% to about 13%, alternatively combinations thereof, of PMC (including the encapsulated perfume) by weight of the composition. In such an embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the composition consists essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; and (b) from about 9% to about 20% by weight of the composition of a friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein the composition is essentially free of free perfume; and wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. In such an embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises PMC and free perfume. In such an embodiment, the composition may comprise from about 1% to about 10%, alternatively from about 2% to about 12%, alternatively from about 2% to about 8%, alternatively from about 3% to about 8%, alternatively from about 4% to about 7%, alternatively from about 5% to about 7%, alternatively combinations thereof, of PMC (including the encapsulated perfume) by weight of the composition. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the composition may consist essentially of: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille having a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. In this embodiment, the perfume encapsulated by the PMC may comprise from about 0.6% to about 4% of perfume by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of a friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein the composition is shaped in a pastille, each of the pastilles has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. Such a formulation is thought to provide for a balanced scent experience to the user of the composition. With the level of polyethylene glycol between about 80% and about 91% by weight of the composition, the about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of free perfume can provide for a pleasant scent experience to the user upon opening of the package containing the composition and as the user pours the composition into a dosing device and transfers the composition to her washing machine. That is the user can experience the scent at an appreciably detectable level but is not overwhelmed by the scent. Similarly, the about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule can provide physical and/or chemical stability of the pastille and for a sufficient quantity of friable perfume microcapsule to deposit on a user's clothing during washing when the pastilles are applied in the wash in a unit dose. Further, it can be beneficial for the composition to consist essentially of the above ingredients at the prescribed levels as additional components might interfere with the physical and/or chemical stability of the pastilles and recognizing that other components, such as surfactants, fabric softeners, or other such ingredients, might be delivered by other mechanisms, such as the detergent or dryer added product, and there would be the potential that the user might over apply such ingredients during washing and/or drying.

In yet another embodiment, the composition can comprise perfume microcapsule but is free or essentially free of other perfume carriers and/or free (neat) perfume. In yet still another embodiment, the composition may comprise a formaldehyde scavenger. In yet still another embodiment, the scent of the present composition is coordinated with scent(s) of other fabric care products (e.g., laundry detergent, fabric softener). This way, consumers who like APRIL FRESH scent, may use a pastille having an APRIL FRESH scent, thereby coordinating the scent experience of washing their laundry with their scent experience from using APRIL FRESH. The pastilles of the present invention may be sold as a product array (with laundry detergent and/or fabric softener) having coordinated scents.

Dye

The composition may comprise dye. The dye may include those that are typically used in laundry detergent or fabric softeners. The composition may comprises from about 0.001% to about 0.1%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.02%, alternatively combinations thereof, of dye by weight of the composition. An example of a dye includes LIQUITINT BLUE BL from Millikin Chemical.

Free of Laundry Actives and Softeners

The composition may be free of laundry active and/or fabric softener actives. To reduce costs and avoid formulation capability issues, one aspect of the invention may include compositions that are free or essentially free of laundry actives and/or fabric softener actives. In one embodiment, the composition comprises less than about 3%, alternatively less than about 2% by weight of the composition, alternatively less than about 1% by weight of the composition, alternatively less than about 0.1% by weight of the composition, alternatively are about free, of laundry actives and/or fabric softener actives (or combinations thereof). A laundry active includes: detergent surfactants, detergent builders, bleaching agents, enzymes, mixtures thereof, and the like. It is appreciated that a non-detersive level of surfactant may be used to help solubilize perfume contained in the composition.

Pastilles

The composition of the present invention may be formed into pastilles by those methods known in the art, including methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,013,498 and 5,770,235. The composition of the present invention may be prepared in either batch or continuous mode. In batch mode, molten PEG is loaded into a mixing vessel having temperature control. PMC is then added and mixed with PEG until homogeneous. Perfume is then added to the vessel and the components are further mixed for a period of time until the entire mixture is homogeneous. In continuous mode, molten PEG is mixed with perfume and PMC in an in-line mixer such as a static mixer or a high shear mixer and the resulting homogeneous mixture is then used for pastillation. PMC and perfume can be added to PEG in any order or simultaneously and dye can be added at a step prior to pastillation.

The pastilles may be formed into different shapes include tablets, pills, spheres, and the like. A pastille can have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil shaped, and oblong. Lentil shaped refers to the shape of a lentil bean. Compressed hemispherical refers to a shape corresponding to a hemisphere that is at least partially flattened such that the curvature of the curved surface is less, on average, than the curvature of a hemisphere having the same radius. A compressed hemispherical pastille can have a ratio of height to diameter of from about 0.01 to about 0.4, alternatively from about 0.1 to about 0.4, alternatively from about 0.2 to about 0.3. Oblong shaped refers to a shape having a maximum dimension and a maximum secondary dimension orthogonal to the maximum dimension, wherein the ratio of maximum dimension to the maximum secondary dimension is greater than about 1.2. An oblong shape can have a ratio of maximum dimension to maximum secondary dimension greater than about 1.5. An oblong shape can have a ratio of maximum dimension to maximum secondary dimension greater than about 2. Oblong shaped particles can have a maximum dimension from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, a maximum secondary dimension of from about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

In alternative embodiments of any of the formulations disclosed herein, each individual pastille can have a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g, alternatively from about 10 mg to about 1 g, alternatively from about 10 mg to about 500 mg, alternatively from about 10 mg to about 250 mg, alternatively from about 0.95 mg to about 125 mg, alternatively combinations thereof. In a plurality of pastilles, individual pastilles can have a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, hemispherical, compressed hemispherical, lentil shaped, and oblong.

An individual pastille may have a volume from about 0.003 cm³ to about 0.15 cm³. A plurality of pastilles may collectively comprise a unit dose for dosing to a laundry washing machine or laundry was basin. A single unit dose of the pastilles may comprise from about 13 g to about 27 g, alternatively from about 14 g to about 20 g, alternatively from about 15 g to about 19 g, alternatively from about 16 g to about 18 g, alternatively combinations thereof. The individual pastilles forming the plurality of pastilles that make up the unit dose can each have a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g. The plurality of pastilles can be made up of pastilles of different size, shape, and/or mass. The pastilles in a unit dose can have a maximum dimension less than about 1 centimeter.

The composition may be manufactured by a pastillation process. A schematic of a pastillation apparatus 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The steps of manufacturing according to such process can comprise providing the desired formulation as a viscous material 50. The viscous material 50 can comprise or consists of any of the possible formulations disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the viscous material 50 comprises: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume. The viscous material 50 can be provided at a processing temperature less than about 20 degrees Celsius above the onset of solidification temperature as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

In one embodiment, the PMC can be added as a slurry to the polyethylene glycol and free perfume to form the viscous material 50. The PMC can be added as a powder to the polyethylene glycol and free perfume to form the viscous material 50. The viscous material 50 is passed through small openings 10 and onto a moving conveyor surface 20 upon which the viscous material 50 is cooled below the glass transition temperature to form a plurality of pastilles 30. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the small openings 10 can be on a rotatable pastillation roll 5. Viscous material 50 can be distributed to the small openings 10 by a viscous material distributor 40. Pastilles can be formed on a ROTOFORMER, available from Sandvik Materials Technology.

Package

A unit dose or a plurality of unit doses may be contained in a package. The package may be a bottle, bag, or other container. In one embodiment, the package is a bottle, preferably a PET bottle comprising a translucent portion to showcase the pastilles to a viewing consumer. In one embodiment, the package comprises a single unit dose (e.g., trial size sachet); or multiple unit doses (e.g., from about 15 unit doses to about 30 unit doses).

Dosing

The aforementioned package may comprise a dosing means for dispensing the pastilles from the package to a laundry washing machine (or laundry wash basin in hand washing applications). The user may use the dosing means to meter the recommended unit dose amount or simply use the dosing means to meter the pastilles according to the user's own scent preference. Examples of a dosing means may be a dispensing cap, dome, or the like, that is functionally attached to the package. The dosing means can be releasably detachable from the package and re-attachable to the package, such as for example, a cup mountable on the package. The dosing means may be tethered (e.g., by hinge or string) to the rest of the package (or alternatively un-tethered). The dosing means may have one or more demarcations (e.g., fill-line) to indicate a recommend unit dose amount. The packaging may include instructions instructing the user to open the removable opening of the package, and dispense (e.g., pour) the pastilles contained in the package into the dosing means. Thereafter, the user may be instructed to dose the pastilles contained in the dosing means to a laundry washing machine or laundry wash basin. The pastille of the present invention may be used to add freshness to laundry. The package including the dosing means may be made of plastic.

One embodiment can be a unit dose of a fabric treatment composition comprising a plurality of pastilles, wherein each pastille comprises: (a) from about 80% to about 91% by weight of the composition of polyethylene glycol, wherein the polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight from about 5,000 to about 11,000; (b) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition free perfume; and (c) from about 2% to about 12% by weight of the composition of friable perfume microcapsule, wherein the perfume microcapsule comprises encapsulated perfume; wherein each pastille has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g; and wherein the plurality of pastilles has a mass from about 13 g to about 27 g to comprise the unit dose.

In one embodiment, the pastilles of the present invention can be administered to a laundry machine as used during the “wash cycle” of the washing machine (but a “rinse cycle” may also be used). In another embodiment, the pastilles of the present invention are administered in a laundry wash basin—during washing and/or rinsing laundry. In a laundry hand rinsing application, the pastille may further comprise an “antifoam agent” such as those available from Wacker. Antifoam agents (suds suppressing systems) are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20030060389 at 65-77.

Example

Grams in a Ingredient: 17 g unit Dose % Weight of Composition PEG 8000 15 88.24%  Free (neat) Perfume 1 5.88% Perfume Microcapsule¹ 1 5.88% (Encapsulated (0.32) (1.88%) perfume)² Dye 0.0025 0.015%  ¹PMC is a friable PMC with a urea-formaldehyde shell from Appleton. About 50% water by weight of the PMC (including encapsulated perfume) is assumed. ²Encapsulated perfume (within PMC) assumes about 32% active.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating laundry comprising the step of dosing to a laundry washing machine or laundry wash basin from about 13 g to about 27 g of a composition comprising a plurality of pastilles comprising: polyethylene glycol; and free perfume; wherein each of said pastilles has a mass from about 0.95 mg to about 2 g; and wherein each of said pastilles has a shape of hemispherical or compressed hemispherical; wherein said pastilles are contained in a package and there is a dispensing cap releasably detachable from said package and reattachable to said package and wherein said composition is dosed with said dispensing cap.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said pastilles have a shape of compressed hemispherical.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said pastilles have a ratio of height to diameter of about 0.1 to about 0.4.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said pastilles comprise from about 65% to about 99% by weight of said composition of polyethylene glycol. 